Collet Valve Locking for Automatic Closed-Position Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve systems require additional hydraulic circuits and complex operations to automatically lock the valve member into the closed position, increasing the risk of operator error and potential failures due to reliance on ball valves that may stick during service life.
Innovation Solution
A radially expandable lock mechanism using a collet assembly with inclined wedges and a piston assembly that automatically actuates into a locked configuration upon valve closure, eliminating the need for an additional locking circuit and avoiding the use of ball valves, ensuring the valve system remains locked in the closed position without additional hydraulic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve systems use additional hydraulic circuits and ball valves for automatic locking, then the valve can be locked into the closed position, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases due to potential ball valve sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ball valve component from the locking mechanism, extracting the problematic element that causes sticking issues. Instead of using a ball valve within the hydraulic circuit to trigger locking, the system uses a direct mechanical collet assembly that responds to valve closure forces, eliminating the intermediary ball valve that could fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locking function with the existing valve closure mechanism. The collet assembly is integrated into the valve body and uses the same hydraulic forces that close the valve to automatically trigger the locking action, merging two functions into a unified system rather than adding a separate locking circuit.
2Reliability
If conventional valve systems use additional hydraulic circuits for locking, then the valve can be locked, but the risk of operator error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to be self-actuating through the mechanical forces already present during valve closure. The collet assembly automatically engages when the valve closes, using the valve rod's movement to trigger the locking action without requiring separate operator commands or additional hydraulic circuit activation.
3Reliability
If ball valves are used for automatic locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the risk of failure increases due to ball valve sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes the ball valve from the locking mechanism, extracting the component that is prone to sticking. The locking function is achieved through a direct mechanical connection between the valve rod and the collet assembly, eliminating the intermediary ball valve that could fail due to sticking or debris accumulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables automatic locking of the valve system into the closed configuration without additional hydraulic circuits, reducing operator error and mitigating the risk of valve failure, while maintaining the valve in a secure locked state until intentionally unlocked.
Implementation Method 1
the piston assembly comprises a biasing member configured to bias the piston towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
a piston chamber configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid thereby forcing the piston into the second position
Implementation Method 3
each of the wedges comprises an inclined engagement surface positioned at an acute angle relative to the central axis of the collet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A valve lock for a linear valve system includes a housing including a passage configured to receive a rod of a linearly extendable valve member of the linear valve system, and a collet assembly received in the housing, wherein the collet assembly has a central axis extending parallel the rod of the valve member, a radially inner configuration with respect to the central axis of the collet assembly, and a radially outer configuration relative to the central axis of the collet assembly, wherein the lock includes an unlocked configuration associated with the radially outer configuration of the collet assembly, and a locked configuration associated with the radially inner configuration of the collet assembly and which locks against the rod of the valve member and thereby prevent the rod from travelling in at least one axial direction.